Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim — NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,215,138 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports — when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report — that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints — specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened — feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 15,126 complaints for LEXUS
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
I leased a 2019 Lexus ES300H in March of 2019. About 1 year later, the vehicle started having serious mechanical issues related to the power of the vehicle and put my life in danger on 3 different occasions. The vehicle has a serious problem with losing power. The very first time that this problem occurred, I was in the left only lane attempting to make a left turn. When it was safe to do so and t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2020
Around the middle of the month of January of 2022, I discovered that my 2016 Lexus RX350 has massive oil leak from timing chain cover. Thompson Lexus dealership confirmed this oil leak. This leak not just happened, but it has happened long ago at least 6 months prior to the time that I discovered based on old oil dirty debris deposits and paints popped out and rusted caused by prolong oil on the f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2020
Around the middle of the month of January of 2022, I discovered that my 2016 Lexus RX350 has massive oil leak from timing chain cover. Thompson Lexus dealership confirmed this oil leak. This leak not just happened, but it has happened long ago at least 6 months prior to the time that I discovered based on old oil dirty debris deposits and paints popped out and rusted caused by prolong oil on the f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
The fuel delivery line is leaking, car will still run then quit however, interior and exterior smells like gas any slight spark could cause a fire. You can see fuel along the under carriage of the engine. I found Lexus has a recall for a leaking fuel delivery line, however I don't see my vehicle listed. Please investigate why my 2007 lexus rx400h did not get added to this recall list. Let me k... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
My cars horn sometimes works and sometimes does not
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
Driving the car on the highway. The transmission lost power & engine started revving with no movement. It was dangerous because we could have been rear ended. We had car towed to the Peterson Lexus dealer in Boise Idaho. They said that the internal bearing failed & recommend a new transmission.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, the warning message 'Have Your Dealer Check the VGRS System" was illuminated. The contact stated that he also noticed that the steering wheel was no longer centered. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving and the warning message remai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The passenger side airbag is shrinking and seems to be collapsing into the dashboard. There is an indicator light on the passenger side that is lit up noting that "airbag off," so apparently there is no airbag protection for passenger. Three days ago, the right side of the windshield - passenger side, and the passenger window and passenger side back seat window, were all moist and foggy in the mo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
The brake booster pump/accumulator has a diagnosed internal leak. It is identical to Toyota Safety Recall 13V-235 for Certain 2010 Model Year HS250h Vehicles. The exact failure described is what my Lexus HS 250h is experiencing and the DTC code is C1391, which FOUR separate shops have verified. The recall listed DTC C1246 and C1256, yet the condition is that there is an internal leak and one must... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the "All-Wheel Drive and Hybrid System Failure" warning messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with inverter assembly failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
while driving on the interstate the moon roof exploded into little glass fragments. It sound like a bomb going off. if the slider would have been open, it would have been critical for anyone sitting in the back seat There was no other cars around me or in front of me. it was day light and nothing hit the car
Incident date: Oct 21, 2021
In heavy traffic the car stalled and by pumping the accelrator several times it activated..then at the stop light it did the same issue and heavy traffic was upon me blowing there horns..I carryed it to a lexus dealer and they could not determine the problem..I went online and found out that their is a recall on this vehicle..which was not taken care of by the car dealer before I purchased the v... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
I was on a major interstate (I-495 in Va), driving at a speed of 60 to 65 miles per hour, when my driver side door suddenly opened. The dashboard alert came on that the door was open and the interior light came on. With my left hand, I held on to the door for my dear life, as I tried to pull over in a safe area to shut the door. Lexus has tested the car and could not replicate the issue of the doo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Lexus RX. The contact stated that while opening the hood to check the oil, the hood failed to stay open, fell, and struck the contact on the head. The contact sustained injuries to his head and headaches but, medical attention was not provided. The local dealer was contacted and informed the parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactu... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 4, 2020
2020 Had to replace transmission at 90,000 miles. In Sept. 2021 - Window seals are melting all over the windows. Will have to get them all replaced as a driving hazzard to even see out the windows. Now the tinting is coming off from the windows sticking.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2019
Valley Plate Leak. The Valley Plate Leaks are notorious on this vehicle. There have been several forums about it.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
The Rack and pinion is leaking and needs to be replaced causing the steering to lock
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
FRONT DASHBOARD CRACKING AND PEELING OFF - HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES BUT HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE APPEAR ON OTHERS COMPLAINTS. WE HAVE HEARD THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS BUT HAVE RECEIVED NO NOTICES TO DATE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE REPAIRED
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
We have heated & cooled seats. My wife noticed a burnt section in the passenger front seat. It’s about 1 1/2 inches long and 1/16 wide - this is the actual opening of the burn, the area around the burn turned black and is about the size of a quarter.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2019
Hello, For over 2 years now, I have had to get oil added to my vehicle multiple times (estimated 2-3 times after my regular interval oil change of 5,000 miles. I get the warning message from the engine stating low oil. I have taken my vehicle to a Lexus dealership, Lexus of Huntsville, AL to try and see what the problem is as this keeps happening and is an ongoing problem. I was informed n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that the rear tires of the vehicle were wearing out quickly. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on a different brand of tires that she had purchased including Pirelli and Continental tires. The contact also stated that the tires were only lasting for 3,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who diagnosed t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
front dashboard is sticky, cracked, and peeling off as well as the front and back door panels.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2012
Toyoto confirmed knowledge of problem with inferior dashboard of Lexus es350 2007. A recall which they are telling me now, they will no longer honor had been in effect: "January 21, 2015 — After years of complaints and recent lawsuits, Toyota has agreed to replace about 3.5 million dashboards that get sticky, cracked, shiny and melt in heat and humidity. Calling it a "Customer Support Program"... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2012
Toyoto confirmed knowledge of problem with inferior dashboard of Lexus es350 2007. A recall which they are telling me now, they will no longer honor had been in effect: "January 21, 2015 — After years of complaints and recent lawsuits, Toyota has agreed to replace about 3.5 million dashboards that get sticky, cracked, shiny and melt in heat and humidity. Calling it a "Customer Support Program"... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without proper braking functionality. The contact stated that the ABS, traction control, service brakes, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2022
I had previously owned a 2018 Lexus RX350L that came with OEM Michelin Premier LTX tires. That car handled very well on rain, snow and ice. I eventually replaced those tires with Continental Crosscontact LX25 that were even better to the point that I woud say they were excellent on snow and ice. When I purchased my 2021 Lexus RX350 F Sport, it came with Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tires in 235... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, she saw smoke coming from the front passenger seat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot and parked the vehicle until the smoke vanished. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist. The manufacturer was notified of the failu... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
While stopped at a stop light vehicle RPM went very high. It reached the red zone. Vehicle started moving forward (while still on Drive and the brake pedal fully pressed). I immediately put the vehicle in Park. RPM continued to remain high. I removed my foot off the brake when the vehicle was in park. I turned the engine off, waited couple of seconds and turned it back on. At that point everything... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Lexus NX200T. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the electric fuel pump replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
The vehicle exhibited 3 episodes of premature battery failure. Mileage of the vehicle is 6000 miles. Without any warning the car would just not start from a gas pump or such locations in the middle of the road. This is a dangerous problem because there was no warning that the battery is running low or there is any problem. Car runs 100 miles every day. Lexis dealership diagnosed battery fail... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
Parking Break was stuck on and would not release. Owner removed spare tire and loosened parking break system, but light was still flashing. Dealer check for code and reset. The same thing happened again and the Dealer has started they’ve installed a new relay and if happens again it will be very expensive to fix. I feel this should be listed as a recall. This issue should be repaired by as ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
My brakes do not work as they should I have to pump them to stop, I have had them replaced and bled they will work for a day or two and then start to fail again, my pedal goes all the way to the ground and still doesn’t stop the vehicle
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
I was driving and my steering locked up and my check VSC light came on, and check power steering system came on and told me to check with dealer.If someone can please contact me ASAP would be wonderful and appreciated..Thank you
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
I was driving and my steering locked up and my check VSC light came on, and check power steering system came on and told me to check with dealer.If someone can please contact me ASAP would be wonderful and appreciated..Thank you
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
I was driving and my steering locked up and my check VSC light came on, and check power steering system came on and told me to check with dealer.If someone can please contact me ASAP would be wonderful and appreciated..Thank you
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owned a 2008 Lexus IS350. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel began to turn to the left independently and crashed into a parked vehicle. The contact’s vehicle rolled over and landed on its roof before stopping. None of the air bags deploy upon impact. A bystander assisted the contact to exit the vehicle by breaking the front passenger side window... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owned a 2008 Lexus IS350. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel began to turn to the left independently and crashed into a parked vehicle. The contact’s vehicle rolled over and landed on its roof before stopping. None of the air bags deploy upon impact. A bystander assisted the contact to exit the vehicle by breaking the front passenger side window... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 31, 2019
The dash is melting and is extremely sticky. On sunny days, the sunlight reflects off of the dash and onto the windshield obstructing the driver's view. In addition, anything that gets on the dash sticks and cannot be removed. This debris also reflects on the windshield causing issues with visibility. I have contacted Lexus directly and have been told they will not repair or replace the dash beca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
Effective in 2022 all cellular carriers are upgrading to 5G. With this transition a majority of vehicles will no longer be able to use their vehicles emergency crash response systems. In my 2016 Lexus ES350 the Emergency SOS system utilizes 3G cellular service which will be turned off in 2022 making an automated call in the event of a crash impossible. The DOT needs to block this measure as owners... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
The slightly opened sunroof spontaneously exploded with shattered glass flying outward and some glass pieces falling on my husband while he was driving. The vehicle can be inspected; however, a Lexus dealership replaced the sunroof glass without charge, the next day after the incident. The unexpected loud explosion with flying glass startled my husband while he was driving. Fortunately, there w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2021
My 2013 Lexus LS460 with ~50,000mi had its brake actuator failed (C1391 - Leak in the accumulator). A month prior to code C1391 being triggered, the vehicle experienced inconsistent braking pressure with severe brake pedal modulation required to stop the vehicle. Traveling at speeds under 30 MPH the vehicle would intermittently hesitate to stop. Moreover, a squawk noise was present when depressing... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2021
My 2013 Lexus LS460 with ~50,000mi had its brake actuator failed (C1391 - Leak in the accumulator). A month prior to code C1391 being triggered, the vehicle experienced inconsistent braking pressure with severe brake pedal modulation required to stop the vehicle. Traveling at speeds under 30 MPH the vehicle would intermittently hesitate to stop. Moreover, a squawk noise was present when depressing... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2019
Brake pedal on vehicle requires significant force to trigger brake lamps to turn on. In many instances, the vehicle can come to a complete stop before the brake lamps are triggered. Consumer has resolved the issue and would like to withdrawal the complaint.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2021
2020 LEXUS UX 250h. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FAILING TO START. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IT HAS FAILED TO START ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS DUE TO DEAD BATTERY, BEGINNING A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE BE REPAIRED OR REPURCHASED BY THE DEALERSHIP.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2021
Upon entering a parking lot yesterday and heading down a small ramp my 2016 Lexus NX 200 spontaneously accelerated and even with my foot on the brake did not stop. I was unable to control my car and ending up hitting a tree. All of the airbags deployed; the windshield cracked; the body of the car was severely damaged and I suffered injuries. The car was brought to a body shop and is available for ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 14, 2021
Upon entering a parking lot yesterday and heading down a small ramp my 2016 Lexus NX 200 spontaneously accelerated and even with my foot on the brake did not stop. I was unable to control my car and ending up hitting a tree. All of the airbags deployed; the windshield cracked; the body of the car was severely damaged and I suffered injuries. The car was brought to a body shop and is available for ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 14, 2021
Upon entering a parking lot yesterday and heading down a small ramp my 2016 Lexus NX 200 spontaneously accelerated and even with my foot on the brake did not stop. I was unable to control my car and ending up hitting a tree. All of the airbags deployed; the windshield cracked; the body of the car was severely damaged and I suffered injuries. The car was brought to a body shop and is available for ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
Car is consuming excessive amounts of oil. A quart every 200 miles or so. Also even after doing an oil change the car is not leaking the oil but burning it. Please enforce The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (originally enacted in 1966 and now recodified as 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301). Contacted lexus but the car is out of warranty. The car is burning too much oil leading to more pollutan... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2021
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2005 Lexus SC430. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V741000 (Air Bags) and drove 5 hours to the only Lexus dealer in the State of Maine. The dealer informed the contact that they would need to repair the vehicle clockspring to clear the air bag warning light prior to completing the recall repair. The contact declined and the d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
Car was vandalized on 12/7/21 and alarms did not go off. Car alarm doesn’t work, hasn’t worked.